Main Entry:

Val·ky·rie

Pronunciation:

\val-ˈkir-ē also val-ˈkī-rē, ˈval-kə-rē\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

German & Old Norse; German Walküre, from Old Norse valkyrja, literally, chooser of the slain; akin to Old English wælcyrige witch, Old Norse valr the slain, Old High German kiosan to choose — more at choose

Date:

1770

: any of the maidens of Odin who choose the heroes to be slain in battle and conduct them to Valhalla